RAW Thread *SPOILERS*

joe the baker · On The Casting Couch

RE: RAW Thread *SPOILERS*

Carlito Cool · The 'Cool' Mod

Totty dissing HBK - this is your first warning. Anymore of this dissing and youll be on your second warning - lol

Kidding dude.

HBK was my hero growing up and will be a legend and an inductee whether you like him or not.

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

See it's the same for me with the Undertaker. Can't stand him and I think he's awful in ring only second to Cena. But he will sooner or later be inducted into the HoF and will be considered a legend. to me his gimmick was the legend not him.

Carlito Cool · The 'Cool' Mod

I think i agree DM - its the gimmick more than the man himself. Again he will be inducted if only for his service.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Taker is a deceptive worker in that he may not do much (and doesn't sell jack for anyone) but he can get watchable to good matches out of useless lumps like DAVE, Big Show, JBL, Giant Gonzalez, Henry and even Khali. Plus show me another 6'8 guy with his agility who can do a tope con hilo like Taker does?

Personally I've been bored with Taker for years now even since the Corporate Ministry era but for a big guy he puts in a lot more effort and can bring out the best in others or make them look good which others can't.

Granted the gimmick and subsequent reinventions of it have kept him going and have earned his legacy in the business but it took the right man to play the role and I think it's fair to say that Marc Calloway is a lucky dude to be that man.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

RAW did a 2.8 rating this week.

The cause? Well, Orton as champ, no Cena, Bionic H's big push, no Jericho at the PPV, coming off a crappy PPV, same old crap as before...take your pick!

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

I relate it all to the Crappy PPV myself.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

I think the little kiddies missing Cena and the hatred for Orton is responsible myself...

joe the baker · On The Casting Couch

No too mention the self serving it`s all about me ppv hereby k nown as "the Triple H show"

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Candice Michelle took a nasty fall during RAW last night that legit KO'd her and cracked her clavicle. She'll be gone for 4-6 weeks:

Also to show how racist the WWE fans are, they eliminated the Asian girl from the Diva Search - the only decent looking girl too. So it's generic blonde bimbo vs generic brunette bimbo.

And Harry Smith debuted as D.H Smith defeating Carlito.

-- Edited by Man In Black at 09:25, 2007-10-23

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Hope Candice will be ok, thats awful to see and hear about.Cant belive that lovely asian girl is out,she was easily the pick of the bunch but oh well.

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

What a bizarre sounding RAW...

Spoiler: - From the North Charleton Coliseum in North Charleston, S.C.

- Raw begins with a video package highlighting Chris Jerichos ongoing feud with Randy Orton including the Ric Flair-Randy Orton match from last week.

- Chris Jericho makes his way to the ring to kick us off, J.R. and King welcome us to the show. Y2J says Santino Marella was right last week when he said that Jericho cant just demand a title match, thats why he did what he did last week. They show the exclusive footage of Orton accepting Y2Js challenge after Raw last week. Jericho says there will be a new champion at ArmAgeddon. Orton makes his way to the ring, Orton says in the last 2 years he has beaten the likes of HBK, HHH & Cena, Jericho reminds Orton that he beat Stone Cold & The Rock on the same night to become 1st ever undisputed champion. Jericho and Orton get in each others faces William Regal breaks it up and decides Orton will pick Y2Js opponent for tonight and Y2J will pick Ortons opponent for tonight. Orton chooses Umaga to face Jericho. Jericho chooses Shawn Michaels to face Orton!

- Later tonight; Intercontinental Championship Match Jeff Hardy vs. Snitsky

(1) Maria & Mickie James vs. Melina & Womens Champion Beth Phoenix
Beth wants to wrestle Mickie, Mickie dominates for a while but Beth soon overpowers. Beth hits the Fishermans Suplex and covers for the win.

- Todd Grisham interviews Shawn Michaels. He says he is glad Sweet Chin Music is legal this time. He starts to cut the promo on Orton when Mr. Kennedy appears on the monitor behind him. He tells HBK to keep focused on ArmAgeddon. He says up next will be a blast from the past, and it may just break HBKs heart

- Mr. Kennedy makes his way to the ring, he reiterates this may break HBKs heart, he says he has invited 3 individuals from HBKs past to find out what Shawn is really like. He invites Marty Jannetty, Razor Ramon and Diesel to the ring (all fakes, not the real guys, not that Scott Hall would show anyway!). Kennedy says they are missing something, he then brings out Shawn (also not really HBK). Kennedy asks Diesel one word that summarizes HBK, he says egotistical. He then asks Razor who calls him a chump, and finally Marty who says traitor. Kennedy thinks of his own word, loser. The REAL Shawn Michaels then makes his way to the ring, he superkicks Diesel, Razor and Marty. Kennedy and fake HBK make their exits up the ramp

- Backstage Mr. McMahon & Jonathan Coachman are discussing the Raw 15th Anniversary show next week, they mention Hulk Hogan, Trish Stratus, Mick Foley, Eric Bischoff & Stone Cold will all be appearing! Hornswoggle appears hugging Vinces leg, he decides next week they will have the 1st ever McMahon in-ring family portrait, including Hornswoggle! He also makes a match tonight; Hornswoggle vs. Carlito & Coach. Vince and Coach leave, Hornswoggle is seen calling someone.

- J.R. and King talk about the strange decision of having Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy at ArmAgeddon. Backstage Triple H asks Regal what his ulterior motive is, he says he doesnt have one. He says it makes perfect sense, both survived at Survivor Series, both are multiple time champions. Regal then drops the bombshell that the winner of the match will receive a WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble! HHH looks very interested. Regal says he prides himself on beating up people he hates, but regal doesnt think H hates Jeff Hardy, in fact he thinks Trips respects Hardy a little. H agrees that he doesnt hate Hardy, but when it comes to the WWE Championship, he would pedigree his own mother, he would pedigree his own grandmotherhe would also pedigree his own father-in-law!!!

(2) Umaga vs. Chris Jericho
Jericho keeps Umaga down. Umaga soon takes control, he sets up the running turnbuckle move, Jericho moves and hits a shoulder block from the top followed by a few chops. Jericho hits the Lionsault but only gets a 2 count. Jericho follows it up with the Codebreaker, before Y2J can make the cover Orton hits the ring and attacks Y2J causing the DQ finish, Orton hits a RKO and leaves Jericho lying in the ring.

Up next; Hornswoggle vs. Coach & Carlito

(3) No Disqualification Hornswoggle vs. Carlito & Coach
Horny goes to Lilian and tells her that for this match, he has hired protection. The APA make their way to the ring! Clad in the old APA gear! JBL attacks Coach and Simmons attacks Carlito. JBL hits the clothesline from hell on Coach, the APA slam Hornswoggle down onto Coach for the victory! After the match JBL cuts a heel-esque promo, Simmons finally cut him off and yells damn! not too sure what to make of all that!

- Todd Grisham interviews Snitsky backstage, he says Jeff Hardy has something he wants, the Intercontinental Title.

(4) Intercontinental Championship Jeff Hardy vs. Snitsky
Crowd are FLAT!! Jerry Lawler on Snitsky I cant describe how he looks so I guess Ill just throw up!. Snitsky gets a 2 after a sidewalk slam, my god you can hear a pin drop! Hardy fires back up, some fans get back into it, Hardy hits the Whisper in the Wind, Snitsky misses a big boot, Hardy hits the Swanton, crowd cheer for the end! After the match Snitsky kicks Hardys head off, he goes for a chair, Triple H comes to the ring with his sledgehammer, Snitsky leaves. Trips looks to be setting up to hit Hardy with the hammer, he changes his mind and pulls Hardy up, he gets in Hardys face and lets him know the next time they meet, it wont be on friendly circumstances, H leaves back up the ramp.

- Still to come; Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton

- J.R. and The King run down the ArmAgeddon card

- Backstage Regal informs Mr. McMahon, Stephanie McMahon is on her way to the arena!

(5) Shawn Michaels vs. WWE Champion Randy Orton (non-title)
HBK goes for Sweet Chin Music early, Orton launches himself out of the ring. Orton tries for an RKO, Michaels manages to trap Orton in the ankle lock! Back from commercials, HBK and Orton are brawling in the middle of the ring, Orton ends up on the outside again, Michaels follows him out and sets him up ir the superkick, Orton moves and Shawn nails Timekeeper Mark Yeaton! Orton hits his DDT from the middle rope on Shawn, HBK fires back up on Orton, hitting an inverted atomic drop, a scoop slam and the diving elbow. HBK sets up for Sweet Chin Music again, Kennedy appears at ringside, HBK launches himself over the top rope onto Kennedy, they start fighting on the outside and into the crowd. Orton gets on the mic and announces himself as the winner. Y2J then attacks Orton and tries to lock him in the Walls of Jericho, Orton manages to squirm free, Jericho stares down Orton from the ring.

- Backstage Steph is in Vinces office, she tells him she is concerned for his well being as he has invited many superstars to Raw next week that cant stand him. She says in 15 years the guy who has got beat up most is Vince. She asks him not to go to Raw next week. Vince says he loves confrontation and if anyone thinks hes not going to show up to his own show next week, they can go straight to hell. Steph shrugs her shoulders and leaves as Raw goes off air.

Whats with the APA returning and Steph's bit at the end? Are all of the above mentioned all returning at the 15th Anniversary RAW? Hogan? Bischoff? Be good if they are, just missing one name really... Bret Hart

-- Edited by Darth Mattitude at 07:56, 2007-12-04

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Here is this weeks RAW preview in full. I won't talk about the KotR here as it has it's own devoted thread.

As WWE Superstars return from the rich, royal tradition of the United Kingdom to American shores, the stars of Raw, SmackDown and ECW will compete for their own unique crowning glory.

For the first time in two years, a new King of the Ring will be decided in a one-night tournament that commences in the very first hour of a special three-hour episode of Raw, live from the BI-LO Center in Greenville, S.C.

Eight competitors will have to defeat multiple opponents in a single night to be coronated with the treasured crown and robe that WWE Legends and Hall of Famers such as Harley Race, Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, Bret Hitman Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Edge have worn during their illustrious careers.

Its not known which Superstars will make up the tournament field, but be assured that the four men involved in the Fatal Four Way Match for the WWE Championship at Backlash John Cena, John Bradshaw Layfield, Triple H and WWE Champion Randy Orton will want to make their mark and gain momentum just days before their title tilt. A King of the Ring Tournament victory would do just that.

Also watching the tournament live at BI-LO Center will be Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, who have been invited to settle their Democrat differences in Greenville. What will happen as these two titans of the political world face off in the WWE ring? Will their confrontation finally end their stalemate on the road to their partys presidential nomination? Watch: WWE's invite

With Shawn Michaels and DAVE at odds over HBKs retirement of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV, look for sparks to fly if the two cross paths in the tournament or if they match up with their special guest referee at Backlash, Chris Jericho.

Also, the Divas cheered as Mickie James ended The Glamazons dominance, stunning fans worldwide to claim her fourth Womens Championship. How will Beth Phoenix react to the loss? And will other Divas look to challenge the new champion, making her new reign a short one?

Find out as a king is crowned on Monday Night Raw, airing live at a special start time of 8/7 CT, only on USA Network.

However I do want to mention Obama and Clinton in a WWE ring? Is McMahon preparing for some form of political career soon or something? Surely the key demographic for the elections don't watch WWE progamming? Weird. I don't want to see air time devoted to these to on an episode of RAW anyway, we want actual wrestling not verbal wrestling...

Oh and we missed a trick last week with Mickie James winning the Women's championship. They really need to take a leaf out of TNAs book (Did i really just type that?) with regards to the women. Aside from the glammed up enhanced divas who really is there in the womens division? Mickie James, Victoria, Beth Phoenix and on SD! Nattie Niedhart, not exactly awe inspiring is it?

Man In Black · Anime Mod

I doubt if the real Clinton and Obama will appear on RAW so it will either be Rosie vs Trump again with look-a-likes or some other such crap!

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Nope this actually a genuine thing this time.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Says who?

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Well there is a lot of news around various news sites that one if not both will be attending. I mis read it in the fact that an invitation has been extended and neither has formerly accepted, but I can't see the WWE taking the piss with this one as they are quite tied in with being pro elections and all that.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

But can you *REALLY* see the future president of the US on a wrestling show? If Floyd Mayweather got a ton of stick from the mainstream media for Wrestlemania (cos they hate wrestling) what do you think it will do to the credibility of Clinton & Obama?

It will be some sort of parody or doctored footage for comedy purposes or some such crap as before, I'm sure of it.

*EDIT* just saw this on PWInsider.com:

Clinton, Obama, McCain Fight For Your Vote On "Monday Night RAW"® Tonight

STAMFORD, Conn., April 21, 2008- The night before an important Pennsylvania primary, Presidential candidates Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain will each make a very special appearance on athree-hour edition ofWWE®'s "Monday Night RAW" tonight on the USA Network starting at 8 p.m. ET.

The three Presidential candidates intend to tap into the power of the more than five million viewers who each week tune in towatch RAW, making it the number one weekly year round show on cable. In particular, Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama will be appealing for votes from WWE fans in Pennsylvania, where they are locked in a tight primary battle. An invitation from the WWE to have Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama appear on RAW to settle the Democratic nomination process in the wrestling ring was the catalyst fortonight's appearances by the three top Presidential contenders, who each will address the WWE audience in specially taped messages.

Who deserves to win the biggest Championship match in the country? Tune in Monday to hear what the candidates have to say.

-- Edited by Man In Black at 15:55, 2008-04-21

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

See See!! Its all to do with this Smackdown your vote campaign they run...

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Apparently WWE did offer to have look-a-likes but they were understandably turned down.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Main event for RAW tonight is Undertaker & Kane & John Cena & HHH vs. Randy Orton & JBL & Edge & Chavo Guerrero.

So, the KOTR tourney is going to be a vehicle for a mid carder.

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Quite a decent raw from the clips i saw on you tube but the Obama vs Clinton thing was just as we had feared...The KOTR tourne was pretty cool and a surprise winner to which was cool as i love the guy.I had no idea Cherry had turned face but i do know she is actually the cutest WWE diva along with Lena in the company,very very beautiful ^-^.But again,it seems every blond girl is a face, and all the heels are the different looking women,why is that Vince? Cant people like girls who have black hair or a different look?

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Is Mickie Blond? I thought she was Brunette...?

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Mickie's hair is lighter than it was when she debuted but not quite blonde.

Cherry slowly turned face during that wretched (and fixed) diva contest on SD recently (which I assume you don't watch). They ran some skits on WWE.com apparently where Deuce & Domino dumped her for Maryse.

Also Totty, your theory is a little erroneous because Maria is brunette and a face as is Candice Michelle and some chick called Eve on SD; while Beth Phoenix, Maryse, Nattie Neidhart and Jillian Hall are all blonde heels.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

RAW pulled a 3.0 rating on Monday. Ouch!

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

The news you were all waiting for....

With Judgment Day this coming Sunday, John Cena will be back live on RAW to continue his feud with John 'Bradshaw' Layfield after being off the show for two straight weeks. Cena is spending most of his time in New Orleans at the moment filming his new movie for WWE Films titled '12 Rounds'. It will be released in theaters in 2009. No matches have been announced for tonight as of this writing. (thanks to Colin Vassallo)

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

I understand that Million Dollar Mania on RAW last night wasn't much better than last week....

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

at least vince didnt get rick rolled this time..

Man In Black · Anime Mod

No but he got an answerphone message, a strange woman who was gushing all over Vince and man who also seemed to want to have his babies....

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

urgh,surely Vince wont do another one of these next week? The ratings havent exactly been a success and the product is suffering badly from this rubbish from what i read.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Yep - he's doing it again next week which is also the three hour draft lottery show. I don't get why they are doing the draft 6 days before a PPV when all the matches are already set...

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Following up from last weeks exciting installment we have this weeks preview:

Preview:
Punk vs. the World
July 7, 2008

After seeing the WWE Championship move to SmackDown, and failing to win a World Championship back to Raw at Night of Champions, Monday nights once again have a World Title. CM Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to challenge and defeat Edge, bringing the World Heavyweight Championship to Raw and even going on to defend it in the same night against JBL. Though Raw suffered a dearth of World Titles for a period, there is no lack of former World Champions, eager to end the Straightedge Superstars title reign, including John Cena, Batista and JBL. Which of these men will step forward in search of gold, and will Punk be able to hold them off?

Though Raw is no longer lacking a World Title, there is a conspicuous absence on the program in the form of Mr. McMahon. The WWE Chairman was injured at the end of the June 23 Raw when the set collapsed and he was buried underneath a ton of lighting equipment. His son, Shane McMahon addressed the WWE Universe on Monday, but opted to keep his fathers condition a private matter. Are Mr. McMahons injuries worse than originally thought? And how will Raw function in the vacuum left by the incapacitated Chairman?

Proving that his Night of Champions win over Chris Jericho was no fluke, new Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston successfully defended his title in a rematch against Y2J. With the Jamaican Superstar being such a new member of the Raw roster, will he be able to maintain the gold around his waist?

A bitter Jericho blamed his Night of Champions loss on Shawn Michaels for interfering in the match, and even challenged HBK to a match at The Great American Bash in just three weeks, asking the injured Superstar to have an answer on Raw next week. Weve seen explosive interactions between HBK and Y2J in recent weeks what will their confrontation on next weeks Raw have in store?

One of Raws most exciting draftees was Rey Mysterio, who had been on SmackDown for his entire WWE career. On Monday, the Master of the 619 was interrupted by Santino Marella as he was greeting the Raw audience. The Italian Superstar belittled the Ultimate Underdog, prompting Mysterio to attack Marella and break out the 619. Santino Marella has shown that he isnt one to let an insult go, and Rey Mysterio has never been known to back down from a fight how will the Italian Superstar retaliate against the former World Champion?

For the answers to these questions and more, make sure to watch Raw on Monday nights at 9/8 CT only on USA Network.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Shane McMahon addressed the WWE Universe

World domination is not enough for the McMahons, it's the entire universe now!

And how will Raw function in the vacuum left by the incapacitated Chairman?

Very nicely thank you. Hope he stays away for good.

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Or at least for a fair while. he's bound to come back sooner or later. maybe they can now play out the end of the McMahon death angle as it was meant to happen.....

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Kelly Kelly is now on RAW. I would have preferred to see her on SD where I think she fit in better, but if it helps her improve in the ring then fair enough.

Oh and...

-- Edited by Man In Black at 10:31, 2008-07-09

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

What the hell? Is that for real? If it is that is damn funny....

So Kane's lost the plot altogether now has he? Who was he talking about? McMahon or Undertaker?

Heygizmo66 · B List Star

Darth Mattitude wrote:

So Kane's lost the plot altogether now has he? Who was he talking about? McMahon or Undertaker?

I was wandering that. If they'd killed off the undertaker it would make a little more sense. Unless when the undertaker was fired he was jumped backstage and kidnapped.....maybe its about no-one we know or hornswoggle. Bout time he was getting another push....(kidding)

Man In Black · Anime Mod

The 7/7 edition of Raw did a 3.5 cable rating, keeping the audience from last week's show. The broadcast did hours of 3.3 and 3.7.

HHH leaves RAW and the ratings go up? Coincidence?

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Surely it's moreto do with CM Punk, but then after the ratings killer they provided with this weeks RAW Id expect to see that drop again very soon.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

It would be nice if it was because Punk is drawing but since Vince has his favourites, you know they'll take that it was Cena and DAVE who pulled in the viewers.

But the ratings were never that high with The H on top so hopefully the fresh change in the main event line up has helped!

Oh and Punk broke Shitsky's nose with the GTS. Serves him right for sucking so much.

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Cant imagine that clip with the fan is real,noway would he have got backstage past security and even so,he would have been barged off the screen by someone much sooner,got to be a work,not to mention that a light stand fell down when CM punk was promo'ing, cant be a coincidence,maybe its some kind of angle with all kinds of mishaps happening since the "accident" with vince and the set collapsing!

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Yes, it was a work to show that "anything can happen on live TV" and to suggest that RAW can't cope without Vinnie Mac in charge (despite the show improving tenfold)...

-- Edited by Man In Black at 10:38, 2008-07-09

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Unless this is going to coincide with Kanes comments and they are going to go for a GHost angle with Vinnie or Undetaker..

Man In Black · Anime Mod

RAW has a new General Manager:

Spoiler: Mike Freakin' Adamle?

Seriously....

-- Edited by Man In Black at 10:59, 2008-07-29

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Give it a chance mib,could be amusing with him charge...

Man In Black · Anime Mod

I hate you Totty.

Mollison · 500 Club Member

Hey he's a former Jet, so I aint gonna knock him!

Man In Black · Anime Mod

A former jet?

1chiban · On The Casting Couch

This will get some coverage in my column, which will be up in the next week or so...

Mollison · 500 Club Member

Man In Black wrote:

A former jet?

He used to play Running Back in the NFL for the NY Jets, amongst others.